Stress & Crisis Management

Stress Management – Objectives: Stress Management – Objectives: Step #1: Step #1: Understand Basic Stress Concepts Step #2: Step #2: Identify Stressors in ones life & Develop Positive Coping Skills-vs.- Negative Coping Skills

Brain” The “Brain” as it relates to Stress & Crisis Management Cerebellum (brain stem Cerebellum (brain stem) –First to develop –Controls breathing - the part of the brain that helps control muscle coordination. Limbic System Limbic System –Center of emotions –Fight or Flight Response Cerebral Cerebral –Thinking Brain - intellectual rather than emotional. –Receives & processes information

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Three Phases: Alarm Resistance Exhaustion

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Resistance Alarm Exhaustion

COGNATIVE INTERACTIONS PERCEPTIONS PERCEPTIONS –Closed –Open ATTITUDES ATTITUDES –Positive –Negative EXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS –That we are aware of –That we are not aware of

Self Awareness

Personal Stressor Exercise Work/School Life FEAR ANXIETY ANGER TRAINING Home Life/ Family ?

Stress Defined Stress is anything that places special physical or psychological demands upon a person, whether the stressors are real or imagined.

Two Types of Stress Eustress (Good): a positive mental or physical reaction to an event that enhances ones ability to cope or function. Distress (Bad): a negative mental or physical reaction to an event that encumbers ones ability to cope or function.

Break Point Break Point : that point where a person starts to feel that they are no longer in control or questions their ability to control; they sense that their coping skills are becoming overwhelmed

EustressDistress Break Point

Three Categories of Stress Developmental: where one learns from their own mistakes Accidental: things that occur suddenly without warning Chronic: Result of unresolved issues or delayed responses

The “Total” Person Mental Emotional Physical Social Spiritual

Personal Stressors Examples of personal stressors: Culture Values / beliefs Experiences Education Ones Natural abilities

Other Factors That Cause Crisis Extent of involvement Duration Reaction of significant others Control factor - feels responsible Stress history Resolution & Integration

Diet & Rest Exercise Venting to the “right person” Balance your work/school with your home life Hobbies Self talk to maintain positive attitude Approaches to Develop Positive Coping Skills

Negative Coping Skills Drinking Drugs Abusive Nature Workaholic Over-Spending Avoidance

Crisis Defined A subjective reaction to a stressful life experience where the ability to cope or function is seriously impaired. One has a sense of chaos and disruption.

Crisis An individuals perceptions and experiences define what is or is not a crisis in their life. Your mind set and beliefs. Begins at ones Break Point & it intensifies as one moves beyond the Break Point.

Crisis Response & Analysis Three Phases of Crisis: Impact Phase Recoil Phase Reorganizational Phase

Fight or Flight Response

Fight or Flight Response Physical Human Responses Adrenaline Rush Breathing becomes shallow & quickens Perspiration Increases Heart Rate Increases Loss of Short Term Memory Acute “tunnel” Vision / Hearing Heightened Awareness of Events

Psychological Response to Stress Roller coaster ride of emotions Fear Anger Depression Guilt

Long term Physical Effects of Stress Weak Organ Theory Cancer High Blood Pressure Heart Problems Stomach ulcers Skin Problems Depression & Suicide

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Is the result of exposure to extreme trauma and appears to be caused by the inability of the brain to process a traumatic experience Symptoms: –Intrusive –Arousal –Avoidance

Crisis Intervention Crisis Needs Ventilation Reassuring calming authority Restoration of control

General Crisis Guidelines Calm the person Remove the person from the crisis situation, if possible Communicate your “confidence” Encourage the person to vent / speak freely After ventilation, review the event to determine the details

“You, We, I” Approach You: –Shows you are concerned for the person; helps to show the person that their event is important and helps to identify their specific crisis needs We: –Develops a “team” mentality with the individual I: –Officer needs can now be addressed

Personal Crisis In Jail Personal crisis may be caused by an actual loss or the threat of loss of one or more of the following:

Loss of Freedom –Restricted movement –Restricted access to daily activities –Inability to handle routine matters outside the jail –Forced changes in personal routine

Loss of Personal Space Close quarters No privacy - can’t withdraw Always being watched

Loss of Personal Identity Removal or personal property and clothing No variation or uniqueness Personal self worth (may feel shame, guilt or embarrassment)

Loss of Support System Family Friends Society

Loss of Security Fear of inmates A Special Friend Fear of staff Fear of System Fear of loss of control Anxiety about future

Loss of Free Choice Jail Rules & Regulations Staff Controlling Activities Other inmate control Restricted choices (no alcohol / drugs) “Senseless Rules”

Types of Person in Jail likely to have Crisis No one is exempt from crisis –Inmates or staff Higher Risk Inmates: –Mentally Ill –Mentally Challenged –People under the influence of drugs / alcohol –First offenders –Individuals who has experienced a “death”

Crisis Factor Periods: Arrest Booking and Receiving Court Appearances: –Convictions –Sentencing –Additional charges

Other Factors Suicide –High risk first few hours –It can happen any time

Personal Action Plan Time management, hobbies, vacation, personal growth, positive role models. “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up”

QUESTIONS? QUESTIONS?